Local Walmarts host Fill the Truck Toy Drive

Local Walmarts and the Salvation Army announced Thursday that they are partnering this Christmas season to provide toys and coats to local children on Christmas.

This mission is part of the 122nd annual Red Kettle Campaign, and the Fill the Truck Toy Drive will be hosted at all local Walmart stores Saturday, Dec. 8.

More than 2,500 Walmarts across the country will also participate.

Red kettles will also be set out at local Walmarts and Sam's Club stores from now until Dec. 24 to collect funds to support the Salvation Army. Officials said that all funds donated locally stay in the Tennessee Valley and help provide food, clothing, shelter and other services to 16,000 people a year.

The Fill the Truck event will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST and is open to the general public to donate new toys and coats to children who take part in the Salvation Army programs year-round.

Shoppers will be given a list of suggested gifts upon arrival at Walmart. The collection is expected to provide gifts for more than 5,000 children.

“This holiday season, we’re proud to work with the Salvation Army and help provide basic need items like food and clothes to our neighbors in need,” Allen Pilkington, Walmart store manager, said in a prepared statement. “With strong support from our generous shoppers, we know we can bring smiles to more children this Christmas.”

Walmart Foundation also donated $1 million to the Red Kettle Campaign this year.